GDHQNHL15_2pg-New Jersey Devils 1

Anaheim Ducks Gameday HQ

New Jersey
DEVILS
Offense
Jaromir Jagr is a definite Hall of Famer, but he’ll turn 43 in February,
and even if he has said he wants to play until he’s 50 and works out like
someone in his late 20s, you can’t be a Cup contender when he’s leading
you in scoring. Jagr had 67 points last year and an impressive plus-16
rating, best on the team by far. But there is no guarantee that Jagr is
going to continue his fine production. We’re in uncharted waters here,
and expecting someone in his mid-40s to lead the way is unrealistic.
That’s why the Devils signed a couple free agent wings in the
offseason. Jersey fans shouldn’t be too excited, because it’s not like
they added All-Stars. But Mike Cammalleri did score 26 goals last
year, and when healthy, Martin Havlat can help. The problem is
keeping him healthy. He played in only 48 games last year and just 39
two seasons ago.
The Devils can count on young center Adam Henrique to continue
blossoming. He led the team with 25 goals, including seven on the
power play. Veteran Patrik Elias can still produce, as his 18 goals last
year demonstrate, and Travis Zajac is a reliable center who should have
a strong year between Cammalleri and Jagr. Expect veteran winger
Michael Ryder to be a weapon on the third line. It would be good if left
wing Ryan Clowe can stay healthy for the whole season. He’s a power
forward who played in 43 games last season. In the four years before the
strike-shortened 2012-13 campaign, he was a solid producer.
Veteran Dainius Zubrus can still be counted on for double-figure
goals, despite his 36-year old body, and Damien Brunner is a solid
fourth-line player who can also help out on the power play.
Defense
New Jersey suffered a loss in this area, when Mark Fayne left via
free agency. While not a huge scorer, Fayne provided stability along
the blue line and was a part of the team’s outstanding penalty kill. New
Jersey has options to replace him and should again have a stout defense,
but that means some younger players have to step up.
There shouldn’t be any trouble with the first pairing. Andy Greene
and Marek Zidlicky are veterans, who while not overpowering, are
certainly capable. Zidlicky was the more productive of the two from
an offensive end, registering 12 goals and 42 points, while leading the
Devils in penalty minutes—although 60 isn’t exactly a huge total. Greene
had a plus-three rating and demonstrated his ability to set people up
from the point and help out on the power play.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
METROPOLITAN DIVISION
Patrik Elias
Len Redkoles/NHL/Getty Images;
Key Additions:
LW Mike Cammalleri; RW Martin
Havlat; G Scott Clemmensen
Key Subtractions:
G Martin Brodeur; D Mark
Fayne; D Anton Volchenkov
Strengths:
Stellar penalty kill, goaltending
Weaknesses:
Lack of scoring, history of
injuries on roster